Brian Smith
The holiday season brings with it increased traffic, and that increased traffic is drawing more attention from local law enforcement.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that an increased traffic enforcement program will run through the end of the New Year’s holiday, with deputies paying special attention to drunk or otherwise impaired drivers.
Deputies will be manning random safety checkpoints across the county until Jan. 3, 2010, according to a news release from the department.
Kentucky State Police will be targeting seat belt usage and impaired driving during a Thanksgiving weekend crackdown statewide, KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer announced in a news release Monday.
State police will be increasing patrols beginning Wednesday evening and continuing through Sunday night.
In addition to increasing traffic enforcement, state police also are recommending that drivers give extra room to tractor-trailers on the highway, especially in heavy traffic.
In 2008, 14 people were killed statewide in traffic crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday, state police said, and 736 people were injured in more than 1,200 accidents.
So far in 2009, 687 people have been killed on Kentucky roadways, a decrease of 33 fatalities compared to the same time period last year.
The sheriff’s office recommends choosing a designated driver before drinking, considering a taxi if too impaired to drive and asks the public to call the office at 623-1511 or to call 911 if they encounter an impaired driver on the road.
Impaired drivers also can be reported to state police by calling 1-800-222-5555.
Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694.
